First Lady Glenna Fletcher's Communication OfficeKentucky Goes Red for Women on National Go Red Day

Press Release Date:

Thursday, February 02, 2006

Contact Information:

Brett HallJodi WhitakerTroy Body502-564-2611

Julane Hamon502-564-2611

Governor and First Lady encourage Kentuckians to show support

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Governor Ernie Fletcher and First Lady Glenna Fletcher are encouraging all Kentuckians to Go Red tomorrow, February 3, on National Wear Red Day to show the commonwealth’s support for women and the fight against heart disease.

Go Red for Women is a nationwide movement to empower women to love - and save -their hearts through lifestyle choices and actions. By joining together with hundreds of other companies and organizations across America on National Wear Red Day, Kentuckians will help the American Heart Association support ongoing research and education about women and heart disease.

National Wear Red Day for Women has its own dress code. On this day, you are free to Go Red in your own fashion. Wear your favorite red clothes or accessory - a red blouse, a red dress pin, red lipstick - carry a red handbag or sport a red tie and red socks and show some heart for heart disease prevention.

“Too few people realize heart disease is the number one killer of women and of men,” said Governor Fletcher. “But the good news is heart disease can largely be prevented. Spreading the Go Red for Women message - love your heart - raises awareness of heart disease and empowers women to reduce their risk.”

“National Wear Red Day is a simple, powerful way to raise awareness of heart disease and improve women’s heart health,” said First Lady Glenna Fletcher. “It’s easy to participate and it’s important to women and their families.”

The Kentucky state capitol floral clock is decorated in red this February in recognition of the American Heart Association’s National Wear Red Day. The clock’s design includes a red dress, the American Heart Association’s symbol for women’s heart health, along with a scatter of hearts. The design was created and executed by the Finance and Administration Cabinet’s landscape branch.

Although there are other floral clocks in the world, Kentucky’s clock is unique because it keeps time above a pool of water. The planter that is the face of the clock is 34 feet wide and weighs 100 tons. Coins tossed into the reflective pool are collected to fund scholarships sponsored by the Garden Club of Kentucky.

For more information about National Wear Red Day contact the American Heart Association: www.americanheart.org or call 1-888-MY-HEART